Okomoko-Etche rolls out drums to celebrate
By Sammy Nwogu
The 14th anniversary of Okomoko day was both a moment of elation and reflection towards the ideals of well-being and development of the community.
Before, the ceremony took off, chiefs, elders, youths and women marched through the main road of Okomoko rejoicing and dancing for the spirit of unity.
In his opening speech, the chairman of the occasion, Deacon Eleazar H. A. Kas-Nwogu, pointed out that, the aim of Okomoko-day was to build a community decent, orderly and lawful community where the aspirations of the people would be given thoughtful consideration.
He also explained that in achieving the Okomoko day the issues of peace, human capital development and infrastructural development would occupy a priority place in the agenda of the community.
Other issues that would be addressed include encouraging peaceful co-existence within and without Okomoko, mapping out plans for the development of Okomko and checking excesses of the youths and negligence of parents, he said.
In a brief sermon, His Lordship Bishop of missionary Diocese of Etche,
Rt. Revd. Okechukwu Precious Nwala (JP), urged Okomoko community to demonstrate love towards one another and he re-dedicated the Okomoko to God.
The Bishop said, “we are surrendered by Churches but many of us do not attend any, choose any one of choice and worship your creator”. He underscored the need for Christians and non-Christians to abide by the words of the Bible adding that it is only the truth that could attract the mercy of God to mankind.
The chairman of Okomoko Town council (OKTC), Mr. Mike E. Alozie in his welcome address explained that Okomoko day was also intended to recognise and accord honour to illustrious people of Okomoko and beyond, for their excellent performance in education, commerce and industry and selfless services to humanity.
The special guest of Honour and Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke said the Okomoko day anniversary celebration had provided a plat form for deep refection on the progress so far made within the context of Etche land and it was an important day set aside for sons and daughters of the community to wine reconcile and give thanks to God.
“In Okomoko today we have, the good, the bad and the ugly. It is a community in Etche land that never witnessed any communal violence or burning of houses”, he said.
Speaking, a former lawmaker Sir, (Chief), Hon. Okey Amadi (JP), the special adviser to the State Governor on special projects thanked the people of Okomoko for the honour done him.
In his valedictory address, Sir Hon. Amadi (JP) promised to alleviate the poor conditions of widows, orphans, destitute in the community.
Okomoko Ambassadors are Sir, (Chief) Hon. Okey Amadi (JP), Rtd. COP Chief Sabastine Ihejirika, High Chief O. B. Lulu-Briggs, Dr. Uzoma Nwankwo, Dr. Onyebuchi Obia, Hon. Keneth Otamiri, Dame Mary N. Ogbonna, Capt. Sunday Nwankwo and Dr. Granville.
Speaking during the celebration, Comrade Sammy N. Nwogu (JP) advise the awardees to represent Okomoko community in all ramification and pray for God's guidance and wisdom on them.
